Leave Pakatan to ward off ‘enemies of Islam’, Isma tells PAS

(Malay Mail Online) – Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) urged PAS to abandon its pact with Pakatan Rakyat (PR) today, telling the Islamist party that the Malays will benefit hugely from the split in the fight against the “enemies of Islam”.

The right-wing group said by colluding with its PR allies, PAS had diluted its principles and struggles, and exiting the opposition pact will return the Islamist party to its original path of championing Islam.

“Nobody can deny, even among PAS members and leaders, that PAS’ position in PR has brought more ruin than good,” said Isma deputy president Aminuddin Yahaya.

“Although PAS did win more seats, but in the aspect of its identity, the issue is something that needs to be reflected on.”

In a statement, Aminuddin also listed down 10 reasons why PAS must leave PR. Among others, he claimed that the party’s agenda has been manipulated by members with their own personal vested interests.

“If PAS leaves PR, then PAS will succeed in returning their original struggle laid down by its early leaders, towards exalting Islam with the Malays as the core rulers,” he said.

“Malay voters who want change will return to PAS because they do not have faith in Umno. All this while, they do not dare vote PAS because PAS is seen as ‘losing’ the political duel with DAP,” he added.

“DAP’s claim that PAS will lose more seats if they lose the Chinese votes by leaving PR is a threat and insult.”

Aminuddin said a split would also stop “the enemies of Islam” from attacking the faith by using PAS’s membership in PR as proof of tolerance.

He said that Muslims have been confused by PAS’ direction and attitude as the party has been seen to be supportive of the actions of those so-called “enemies”.

By leaving PR, PAS will be able to unite the Malay-Muslim community and ensure the rule of the community in this country, especially as the “enemies” are trying to destroy both Islam and the Malays, Aminuddin claimed.

PAS will also be able to protect the Malay rulers should the Malays unite, he said,

He also said that the clerical ulama class would reclaim its status in the party, unlike at the present, where he said the powerful wing is often disrespected and even mocked by some party members.

PAS Research Centre operations director Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki sparked a storm after a controversial message in a private conversation with PAS central committee members on chat platform WhatsApp was circulated on social media Monday.

A screencap of the conversation showed Zuhdi had posted a scenario of PAS joining political foe Umno to wrest control of Selangor while retaining Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim — whose party PKR is looking to oust him — as mentri besar.

Zuhdi had also said a PAS-Umno pact would be able to quell dissent from DAP and silence churches and minorities effectively.

Isma defended Zuhdi today, saying that he was only saying what many other party members were afraid to voice out all this while.

“Congratulations Dr Zuhdi, do not back down because I am confident many from the party and the public who laud your view. Only those who fear of losing power would feel pressured by your remarks,” Aminuddin said.